Once again a race for the prime post of the Punjab Police has started, as Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif does not seem happy with the performance and attitude of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Iqbal, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Only one name of Punjab Constabulary Commandment Additional IG Haji Habibur Rehman appears suitable to the political set up in Punjab and sources confirm he might be appointed the IGP within a couple of weeks.
According to policemen, Javed Iqbal is an honest person, who is not interested in fulfilling the political agenda of the present government. They said that Iqbal was a bit unacceptable for the Sharifs when most politicians try to use police for political ends. According to sources, Shahbaz is unhappy with Iqbal, as he did not seem interested in bowing to different political personalities of Punjab and usually treats politicians of all political parties equally, which is a bit scary for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) top brass.
According to sources, most officers are taking Rehman’s name in front of the IGP as well while he is also trying hard to gain the most lucrative post of the Punjab Police. But the IGP did not seem bothered about efforts of Rehman and never commented on this issue. He was never found shaken or fearing his removal from the IGP’s post, sources said.
Rumours about removal of Iqbal are circulating in police circles since he assumed charge of his duties as IGP. According to sources, Iqbal did not like involvement of politicians in transfers and postings of policemen, which could also be considered as a negative act on his part. According to sources, the IGP was also not satisfied with posting of Lahore CCPO Ahmed Raza Tahir and DIG Investigations Amir Ali Malik but the CCPO has close links with the Sharifs and has a reputation of being the most favourite officer of the CM among officers of both Lahore and Punjab Police. Punjab Police Spokesperson Nabeela expressed her ignorance about the issue.
Shahbaz looking to replace IGP?
